"People have adjudged Kumar as the most able CM the state ever had," Advani told an election rally. It is expected from the Prime Minister, because of his political image, that he will praise Kumar for the work done for the development of Bihar, Advani said adding "But unfortunately it did not happen."

On October 16, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had charged that Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar had failed to fully implement Centrally-sponsored schemes but was taking credit for them.

"It is unfortunate to know that the state government is taking credit for the schemes of the Central government and their benefits are not reaching those intended," Singh had told the meeting in the Muslim-dominated belt of Seemanchal.

On Monday, Gandhi levelled similar charges against Kumar and questioned his secular credentials here. On Monday, Advani also criticised Singh and Gandhi for supporting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's statement early this month. Abdullah had stated that the state had not merged with India, "but only acceded to it under certain conditions and under an agreement."

The BJP leader said he was surprised to find External Affairs Minister S M Krishna's remarks in Abdullah's favour. "The country will not tolerate two Vidhans and two Pradhans," he said. Showering praise on Kumar, Advani said, "We expect that the people of the state will repose their faith in Kumar and Sushil Kumar Modi and give another chance to serve them."

Without naming the RJD and Congress, Advani said the two parties though contesting separately, will join forces after the elections. Alleging that the Congress and RJD had ruined Bihar, Advani said the state which was earlier characterised by corruption, jungle raj and anarchy for 15 years had emerged from the dark phase with the fruits of development reaching the people.

He also renewed his demand for holding simultaneous elections to the state assemblies and Lok Sabha. "We should have a system of state-funding for political parties to meet election-related expenses as elections are essentials to the Constitution," he added.

Advani said he had raised the issue before the Election Commission and the Prime Minister seeking amendment to the Constitution for ensuring that the elections to the assemblies and the Lok Sabha took place simultaneously after completion of their full term of five years.

"Frequent elections waste lot of money ... this year Bihar is going to the poll, next to follow is West Bengal and some other states ... a lot of money goes waste," he said. Political parties too should be freed from clutches of the capitalists and traders for funding, he said.